- The Magic and Lakers have been lucky to have the best big man in the world at one point
- While the Lakers are more prestigious, the Magic have elite superstars as well
- A best-of-7 series between the all-time Magic and Lakers will go down to the wire
Basketball fans around the world have always cherished the timeless debate of pitting the greatest players from different eras against each other. In this epic showdown, we delve into the realm of fantasy basketball, where we assemble the Orlando Magic’s All-Time Starting Five and pit them against the Los Angeles Lakers All-Time Starting Five.
The Orlando Magic, a franchise that emerged in 1989, has boasted an impressive roster of basketball legends over the years. From the dominant center presence of Shaquille O’Neal to the mesmerizing scoring prowess of Tracy McGrady, the Magic have given their fans unforgettable moments on the hardwood. With a storied history that includes multiple playoff runs and a trip to the NBA Finals, the Magic’s All-Time Starting Five represents the cream of the crop from the franchise’s past.
On the other side of the court stands the Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most successful franchises in NBA history. From the Showtime era with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the later reign of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, the Lakers’ All-Time Starting Five features an unrivaled collection of basketball superstars. With a record 17 NBA Championships, the Lakers have left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating fans with their flashy plays and clutch performances.
As we bring these two legendary lineups together, we are faced with questions that ignite passion among fans worldwide. Can the Magic’s explosive scoring talents overcome the Lakers’ defensive might and championship pedigree? How would the Magic’s all-time greats contend with the Lakers’ dynamic duos and triple-threat lineups?
Orlando Magic All-Time Starting Five: Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’Neal
Los Angeles Lakers All-Time Starting Five: Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal
The Magic team will feature Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Dwight Howard, and Shaquille O’Neal, while the Lakers will have Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Shaquille O’Neal on the court. Here is the result of an iconic 7-game series between the all-time Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers.
Penny Hardaway vs. Magic Johnson
Penny Hardaway brings a combination of size, athleticism, and skill to the point guard position. Standing at 6’7″, he is one of the best players to showcase the “do it all” style of play. Hardaway’s smooth ball-handling, scoring ability, and playmaking made him a matchup nightmare for opponents. He could take over games with his scoring or set up teammates with precision passes and will benefit from elite players beside him.
Magic Johnson is a true floor general, utilizing his 6’9″ frame to see the court like no other point guard before him. His passing skills are unparalleled, and his ability to control the tempo of the game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Johnson’s versatility allows him to play multiple positions, but his on-court leadership means he will have more of an impact on his team than Hardaway will.
Tracy McGrady vs. Kobe Bryant
This matchup will be a clash of offensive brilliance, with both players possessing an array of moves and the ability to take over games. Tracy McGrady with the Magic was a scoring machine, known for his smooth shooting stroke, athleticism, and ability to score from anywhere on the court. He could effortlessly hit contested jumpers and finish at the rim with finesse, making him a tough cover for any defender, even for a 12-time All-Defensive Team member like Bryant.
Kobe Bryant, often referred to as the “Black Mamba,” was a scoring legend in his own right. His footwork, work ethic, and competitive drive made him a nightmare for defenders. Bryant had an extensive offensive arsenal, and his ability to hit tough shots in clutch moments made him one of the most feared closers in the game. McGrady’s scoring versatility and length might pose challenges for Bryant, while Kobe’s relentless competitiveness and experience in high-pressure situations could give him the edge.
Grant Hill vs. LeBron James
A 7-game series between Grant Hill and LeBron James would be a thrilling encounter between two incredibly versatile and athletic forwards. Grant Hill is a true do-it-all forward, known for his smooth ball-handling, scoring ability, and playmaking skills. He can score from mid-range, attack the rim with authority, and create opportunities for his teammates. Hill’s versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents, capable of impacting the game in various ways alongside two elite scorers in the backcourt, which makes The King has his hands full.
LeBron James, often hailed as one of the greatest players in NBA history, takes versatility to new heights. His combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allows him to play multiple positions and excel in virtually every facet of the game. LeBron’s scoring, passing, rebounding, and defensive prowess set him apart as one of the most complete players to ever grace the court, and he will have the best all-around series among all players.
Dwight Howard vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
This matchup would pit two dominant centers against each other, each leaving a significant impact on the game during their respective careers. Dwight Howard is a force to be reckoned with in the paint during his prime due to his incredible athleticism as a center. His shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to finish with powerful dunks make him one of the premier defensive centers of his era. Howard’s defensive presence often deters opponents from attacking the basket and will not make scoring in the paint easy for Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and other elite scorers on the Lakers.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, on the other hand, is a master of finesse and skill. His signature “Skyhook” shot was nearly impossible to defend and remains one of the most effective offensive moves in basketball history. Abdul-Jabbar’s footwork, shooting touch, and scoring versatility made him the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and an offensive juggernaut. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring ability was nothing short of legendary. His patented skyhook shot was virtually unguardable, and he could also score from mid-range and the free-throw line. Abdul-Jabbar’s offensive arsenal made him a consistent scoring threat from anywhere on the court. In a 7-game series, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unparalleled scoring ability and experience in big games would likely give him the edge over Dwight Howard.
Shaquille O’Neal vs. Shaquille O’Neal
A matchup between two versions of Shaquille O’Neal in their prime would undoubtedly be a spectacle to behold. As a young and agile center with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force. His combination of size, power, and athleticism made him nearly unstoppable in the paint. Young Shaq was known for his emphatic dunks, shot-blocking ability, and ability to run the floor with surprising speed for a player of his size.
During his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O’Neal continued his reign of dominance but with a more refined and mature game. Mature Shaq was at the peak of his physical powers, overpowering opponents with his sheer strength and finesse around the basket. He led the Lakers to multiple championships during this phase, earning three NBA Finals MVP awards in the process.
The matchup between young Shaq and mature Shaq would be a fascinating display of two distinct phases of his legendary career. Young Shaq’s agility and explosiveness might challenge the more experienced and seasoned mature Shaq, while mature Shaq’s refined post moves and dominant presence in the paint could overpower his younger self.
Orlando Magic All-Time Starting Five Advantages
This lineup boasts an incredible amount of versatility. Penny Hardaway and Tracy McGrady were point forwards capable of handling the ball and creating scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Grant Hill’s well-rounded game allowed him to play multiple positions, making the team flexible in both offensive and defensive schemes.
With four prolific scorers in Penny, McGrady, Hill, and Shaq, the team has an abundance of offensive firepower. Penny and McGrady were exceptional scorers from the perimeter, while Grant Hill’s slashing ability and mid-range game made him a consistent threat. In the post, Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant scoring and Dwight Howard’s finishing around the rim would create a potent inside-out game.
This lineup also features two dominant shot-blockers in Dwight Howard and Shaquille O’Neal. Their presence in the paint would deter opponents from attacking the rim and alter shots. Tracy McGrady and Grant Hill, both excellent perimeter defenders, would provide strong perimeter defense, making it difficult for opponents to find open shots.
Los Angeles Lakers All-Time Starting Five Advantages
Magic Johnson and LeBron James are two of the greatest playmakers the game has ever seen. Their exceptional court vision, passing accuracy, and ability to set up teammates would create a dynamic and unselfish offense. With Kobe Bryant’s improved playmaking in the latter part of his career, the team would have multiple playmaking options at all times.
This lineup also features four of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. Kobe Bryant’s scoring repertoire and clutch performances, LeBron James’ ability to score from anywhere on the court, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s unstoppable skyhook, and Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant inside presence would create an incredibly balanced and potent scoring attack.
Finally, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal in the frontcourt, the Lakers would have an overwhelming presence in the paint. Kareem’s skyhook was virtually impossible to defend, and Shaq’s physicality and scoring ability made him a force to be reckoned with down low.
Who Wins A Best-Of-7 Series?
The series opens with a high-scoring affair as both teams showcase their offensive prowess. The Lakers trio of Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar proves too much for the Magic to handle, as they combine for a staggering 80 points. Despite a valiant effort from Penny Hardaway and Tracy McGrady, who both contribute 25 points each, the Lakers take Game 1 with a 118-110 victory.
In Game 2, the Magic bounce back with a renewed defensive focus. Dwight Howard dominates the paint with 5 blocks, disrupting the Lakers’ inside game. Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady put up impressive performances, scoring 30 points each. The Magic’s balanced scoring and improved defense give them a 105-98 win, tying the series at 1-1.
As the series shifts to Los Angeles, the Lakers come out firing on all cylinders. LeBron James takes over in a dominant display, recording a triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. Kobe Bryant adds 35 points, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook is unstoppable, contributing 25 points. The Lakers cruise to a 122-98 victory, taking a 2-1 series lead.
The Magic respond in Game 4 with an outstanding team effort. Grant Hill shines with his all-around play, registering a near triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Penny Hardaway’s clutch shooting in the fourth quarter propels the Magic to a narrow 112-108 win, tying the series once again at 2-2.
Game 5 becomes an epic battle between the two Shaquille O’Neals in the paint. Both centers dominate, but it’s the Lakers’ Shaq who edges out his Magic counterpart with a 30-point, 15-rebound performance. Magic Johnson’s playmaking and LeBron James’ versatility prove crucial down the stretch, leading the Lakers to a hard-fought 115-110 victory and a 3-2 series advantage.
Facing elimination, the Magic display their resilience in Game 6. Tracy McGrady channels his scoring abilities, dropping a jaw-dropping 40 points. Dwight Howard’s interior defense stifles the Lakers, and the Magic come together for a gritty 104-100 win, forcing a decisive Game 7.
The series culminates in a thrilling Game 7 showdown. The Lakers’ star power is on full display as Kobe Bryant delivers a clutch performance, pouring in 40 points. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook proves to be the difference-maker, adding 25 points to the Lakers’ cause. On the other side, Penny Hardaway’s 30-point effort and Grant Hill’s triple-double aren’t enough to overcome the Lakers’ offensive firepower. The Lakers claim a hard-fought 114-108 victory, securing the series 4-3 and solidifying their status as one of the greatest all-time teams in this hypothetical matchup. Due to his iconic close-out performance, Bryant earns Finals MVP honors.
Final Result: Los Angeles Lakers All-Time Starting Five vs. Orlando Magic All-Time Starting Five 4-3
Finals MVP: Kobe Bryant
